DAKTARI NEWSLETTERJANUARY/FEBRUARY EDITION

Written by Kirsten Shaw

THE GREAT FLOOD

On the night of the 14th January, the heavens opened up, and

Daktari received over 40 % of its annual rainfall in one night. The effects were brutal – the dam

overflowed, barring all exits from the farm.

Our dismay turned to excitement as Ian organized an expedition to

check the damage. Every dry river bed was now a roaring

water way, and earth became sticky mud. During the adventure

the Land Rover got stuck, and the volunteers took an

unexpected bush walk back to camp in the torrential rain. Yet spirits remained high, as we all

settled for warm, dry clothes and a cup of steaming tea.

My little baby is growing up fast! He was born by surprise just before

Christmas, and now is bouncing about mischievously. I feed him well, which

shows on his chubby face. Poncho and Nina love to play, and bounce around

Michele & Ian’s room most nights. When I go out to frolic, I park* Poncho

in a tree so he can practice his jumping. He will soon be independent!

PONCHO’S BOUNCE

* Scientific bush baby term.

Jan – Feb VolunteersIn a circle starting from the far left: Gillie, Kim,

Andy, Dave, Sue, Ollie – all from the UK and Laura from Scotland.

And …. Anne, Roland and Rodolphe from France; The Allais Family from New Zealand, Nick, Tom and Jessica from Australia; Sonia and Georges from the

US.

WE WON!!!

Last month, in the Christmas rush, Daktari was entered into a competition by Global Giving through Ford Focus.

We could potentially win 10 000 $ if a video made by a volunteer was chosen by Ford.

…We got THREE!We had 8 entries and 3 winners, therefore receiving 30 000 $ !!! Michele still can’t sleep!

We sat with our fingers and toes crossed throughout the holiday, hoping for a winner…

Thank you – Marine, Katie, Kirsten, Gina and Ingy who made videos

Congratulations

Natalie, Denise and

Tiffany!

CHILDREN AT DAKTARI

NEWS ON THABO

Many have been asking after Thabo, so lets start with fantastic

news –

Thabo passed his matric in December 2010, adding to a job at

the local restaurant he found through Michele and Ian.

It was a hard road through the adolescent period of Thabo’s life,

yet he has come out the other side, independent and ready to fly

the nest.

He is no longer a regular presence at Daktari, but Michele and Ian see him Saturdays in town, and wish him all the best, as his new adult

life commences.

Daktari’s iconic picture – Thabo

with Lily the Duiker

Thabo reading to Candy

Thabo – grown up

and Independent

THREE LITTLE PIGS

This month, my sisters and I have found a generous mother to sponsor

us : A January volunteer, Gillie Kenneally.

She fell in love with our mischievous yet delicate ways, and is happy to

step up and feed us every day. Thank you Gillie for your love and support!!!

Oh! You

caught me!

PLEASE SPONSOR US

Please sponsor Caline and her baby,

Halloween for R300 a month.

Thank you to Lara for being the

latest sponsor for Shiloweni – we still need a few more at R200 a

month.

Our new baby Poncho and our cheeky little Nina are also waiting

for a generous sponsor to donate R 200 a

month

Special Thanks to The Trust

OrganizationThe Trust has done a

tremendous fundraising event which brought R

25000 to Daktari. This fund has been used to build a leopard-viewing platform, Solar lights and there was

some left over to cover a bit of our running costs.

The Leopard-viewing platform has been finished last week for the enjoyment

of our children and volunteers. 

We thank The Trust and their donors for their very

appreciated support.

GLOBALGIVING UK AND USA

CHALLENGESDaktari is excited to tell you about two fantastic opportunities to support conservation education of underprivileged children! We are looking forward to the first Global Giving’s campaign of the year, and invite you donate to Daktari with opportunity of gaining extra bonuses.

If you live in the UK:

From the 1st to the 14th of March 2011, we need to raise at least £500 from 25 donors to get an additional £500.Furthermore, Global Giving will give us an additional £250 if Daktari is one of the Top 10 recipients. All donations are also tax deductible for United Kingdom citizens.

Do not wait, donate now through www.globalgiving.co.uk

If you live in the USA or anywhere else in the world:

On March the 16th 2011, GlobalGiving will match at 30% all online donations. Help us to reach our goal of $ 2000 for our first campaign of the year. All donations are also tax deductible for American citizens.

Set your alarm clock for the 16th of March and donate through www.globalgiving.org

WAYS TO DONATE

Bank: First National Bank, Hoedspruit, South Africa

Swift number: FIRN ZA JJ

Branch Number: 270652

Account Number: Cheque Account (Non-Profit)

62044965129

Name: Daktari Wildlife Orphanage, South Africa

Global Giving UK to sponsor the whole

Daktari project

- AND THROUGH OUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT -

- DIRECTLY TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT -

Global Giving USA to sponsor the whole

Daktari project

All donations made through Global Giving are tax deductible in the UK

and the US

You can sponsor us through Greater

Good SA and it is Tax Deductible

Donate through The Trust- our South African partner

We would like to Thank You all for

your ongoing support in 2011